Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles announced today that she’ll release her debut solo album this fall. The as-yet-untitled project is being produced by legendary producer Rick Rubin, who has flexed his rootsy side in the past with work on albums by Johnny Cash, Dixie Chicks and the Avett Brothers.
“I am absolutely thrilled and wholly proud to be working with Rick,” Nettles said. “If you ask any musician who is on their producer ‘bucket list,’ Rick would be on each and every one.”
Related
Chatting with Rolling Stone, Nettles says,”I still get nervous around him, in a kind of a music-crush way.”
Nettles, who gave birth to a son, Magnus, four months ago, says she’s writing the songs herself or collaborating with artists like Sara Bareilles and Butch Walker. Rubin has assembled a backing band that includes Ian McLagan (Faces), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and bassist Jason Lader.
Not involved with the album, at least currently, is Nettles’ other half in Sugarland, Kristian Bush.
First things first, however, Nettles will be a presenter at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday.